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Vibrant New Years Eve Snacks Dinner Bowl with Harissa Chickpeas

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A colorful and flavorful bowl featuring smoky harissa roasted chickpeas, fresh veggies, and grains, perfect for a quick snack or light dinner that feels festive and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice (about 1 cup dry)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • A handful of chopped cilantro or parsley
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Drain and rinse 2 cans of chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. Toss chickpeas in a bowl with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
  4. Spread chickpeas out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even crisping.
  5. While chickpeas roast, cook 1 cup dry quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  6. Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly slice 1 small red onion, shred 1 cup carrots, and chop a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked grains with fresh veggies and herbs. Drizzle 2 tablespoons lemon juice and additional olive oil if needed. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add roasted harissa chickpeas on top along with ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (if using) and optional toasted pumpkin seeds or almonds.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Pat chickpeas dry before roasting to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming. Toss grains and veggies gently to prevent bruising. Add lemon juice to balance the spicy harissa. For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce when tossing chickpeas. Roasting chickpeas a day ahead and reheating them briefly revives crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: harissa chickpeas, roasted chickpeas, New Years Eve snacks, dinner bowl, quinoa bowl, healthy snack, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/vibrant-new-years-eve-snacks-dinner-bowl-with-harissa-chickpeas-easy-recipe-ideas/